Hail, gladiator! Enter a world of dark adventure, magic and monsters in LucasArts' latest RPG.

A fusion of traditional fantasy and Roman mythology, Gladius also brings together the traditional role-playing game with turn-based tactical games to create a unique experience. You will command either the gladiator Valens, or Ursula, daughter of the barbarian king, as they recruit and train a team of gladiators which you will take into battle in the famous gladiatorial games.

As with roleplaying games such as Final Fantasy, Gladius allows you to create and fully customise your party of gladiators, with dozens of weapons, armour and magic spells to choose from. With 16 character classes and over 100 unique character types - including mythical monsters - there's plenty to keep you battling.

When you get into combat, you'll notice that although Gladius' combat is turn based, again like Final Fantasy, it also includes a few tactical additions, including a 'swing meter' that determines how well your gladiator strikes a blow, and the ability to chain together combinations. Perform well in the gladiatorial arena and the crowd will urge you on, increasing your combat skills. Perform poorly... and the Emperor will not be pleased.